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Winter farmers market is Dec. 15 at Basics Co-op

Photo

Stephanie Agnew

JANESVILLE — The Janesville Farmers Market is planning a one-day winter market Saturday at Basics Co-op.

"A lot of these things you can get here are not your typical gifts you would find at a mall or thrift store,'' said Stephanie Agnew Aegerter, farmers market manager.

"These are unique one-of-a-kind handmade items locally made and home grown. They're high quality at a good value," she said.

Saturday's winter market is new for the Janesville Farmers Market.

It came about after Agnew Aegerter was discussing a winter market for another organization with her boss at Basics Co-op, where she also works.

When asked when she would do a winter market at Basics, Agnew Aegerter said it planted a seed.

She checked to see what dates were available in the community room at the co-op and noticed Dec. 15 was open.

"I wanted to keep with the Saturday market theme and the same hours so it wouldn't be confusing,'' Agnew Aegerter said.

She contacted her board of directors, who agreed it was a great idea.

More than a dozen vendors, who will offer a variety of products, have signed up, Agnew Aegerter said.

"We're running out of space, but if we have to overflow into the store, that will be OK," she said.

Participating farms will sell meat, cheese, honey, eggs and chicken. Craft vendors will have soap, jewelry and crocheted and leather items. The bakeries will feature scones, pastries and breads. Other vendors will sell Badger- and Packer-themed items. Local photographs will adorn the front of homemade greeting cards.

All the vendors are from Rock County, Agnew Aegerter said.

"So, you can do your Christmas gift shopping and also have a lot of the money stay right here in the community," she said.

The winter market gives vendors a new opportunity, Agnew Aegerter said.

"It gets us all together for that Saturday morning camaraderie and provides a service to shoppers who maybe didn't get to the market to get all their shopping done,'' she said.

Someday, Janesville might have a year-round farmers market, Agnew Aegerter said.

"There's a need for it. There's a desire for it," she said.

"Maybe several years down the road, there will be a place for it. It's one of our hopes and dreams."

WINTER MARKET VENDORS

-- Mahlon Hemmerly—Hand-tooled leather billfolds and belts, plus jewelry

-- Diane Clark Quilts

-- Crafty Ladies

-- Rope Wrapping Mama

-- Maggie's Beaded Jewelry

-- Lucky Cat Cards

-- Steiny Jo's Bakery

-- Bridget's Family Bakery

-- Bonnie's Birdseed Wreaths

-- Amazing Grace Family Farm

-- Misty Meadows Farm

-- Nina's Dairy Goats

-- Scott's Three Bee's Apiary